Going into debt for friends' weddings

'It's your budget, and nobody should ever get upset with you about your budget'

Published: 05/11/2013 at 12:10 AM

(CNN/Money) Wedding season is here. And for the estimated 69 million Americans who will be attending weddings this year, it means shelling out hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Between travel, gifts, attire and other costs, guests are expected to spend an average of $539 per wedding this year — up more than 50% from last year’s average expected expense of $339, according to the American Express Spending and Saving Tracker’s recent survey of about 1,500 adults.

And with roughly a quarter of couples planning “destination” weddings, according to TheKnot.com, wedding travel often comes with a major price tag.